About

WHERE WE CAME FROM
We didn’t start out to reinvent the recruitment industry but rather refine it and add value by taking a consultative approach to executive search. We started with the aim of focusing entirely on the customer, steering away from cold recruitment strategies so we could concentrate on our passion – connecting real people.
Situated in a rural setting surrounded by beautiful countryside, we wanted to define a strong team culture by providing the best possible working environment for our employees. Despite the close-knit team we’ve created here, our business spans far and wide, both nationally and internationally.
WHO WE ARE
Our people have always been an integral part of the ever-growing Collingwood family and we surround ourselves with experienced, dynamic professionals. Our ethos is present in everything we do, from finding you the perfect candidate to investing in our own staff. We don’t just sell our values, we practice what we preach - putting all who work here at the heart of everything we do.

Manufacturers - how are you driving exports?

Some good news came from the Autumn Statement last week for the construction industry.

Much has been published on what it will mean for housing and infrastructure. Little has, however, been mentioned about Hammonds drive to double our exporting capabilities.

Part of his plans will see UKEF (UK Export Finance) having its budget doubled, thus allowing for manufacturers to more easily invest in trading in foreign markets.

Following on from my below blog written off the back of a compelling breakfast morning with the Chief Economist for the Manufacturers Association (EEF), manufacturers remain positive and there is a hunger to drive exporting; not least due to the weakened pound.

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I have worked with a number of building product manufacturers who rely on exporting as a significant vehicle for growth.
Her key observations are:
Manufacturing in the UK has been a rocky ride (this, I know, is pointing out the obvious. I am setting the scene so bear with me)
Optimism was raised in Q1 2016 but then Brexit hit our shores. With sterling some 13% down on both the dollar and euro confidence has again dipped
Many manufacturers are conversely seeing this weakening as a great leveraging tool when exporting to mainland Europe and further afield
Innovation and diversification within UK manufacturers are better than we perceive. Likewise after sales (servicing and upselling) is often stronger than our foreign counterparts – we simply do not shout about it enough